Act 1, Scene 1 Summary

This act is set in the late 1800's in Africa, during the period when it is being ruled by the British Empire. The play begins with a patriotic song celebrating the joys of British society. Clive, the father, introduces his family: his wife Betty (played by a man); his son Edward (played by a woman); his daughter Victoria (played by a doll); his black servant Joshua (played by a white actor); his mother-in-law, Maud; his best friend, Harry (an adventurer); and the family's governess, Ellen. Clive, Maud, Harry and Ellen are all played by actors of the same gender as their characters.

After the song, the actual story begins. Clive arrives home from a trip to visit several native villages. Betty welcomes him, telling him about all of the womanly things (such as playing the piano and reading poetry) that she's...